Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019. My amendment would put an end to the rising cost of premiums. It is an amendment that should be met with overwhelming bipartisan support and without opposition. Specifically, my amendment would prohibit the administration from taking any further action that would result in higher premiums for Americans who need comprehensive coverage. This administration has unilaterally made healthcare more expensive and less accessible for the American people by taking actions that run contrary to the spirit and purpose of the ACA. That has resulted in higher premiums and reduced enrollment. In 2017, the administration stopped cost-sharing payments that helped reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income Americans. This action alone increased premiums by 20 percent and raised costs for families not receiving subsidies. In 2018, the administration issued new section 1332 guidance that allows States to raise healthcare costs for people with preexisting conditions. This 2018 guidance also gave a green light to insurance companies to expand junk plans that don't cover essential health benefits. We know that pulling people out of the pool only makes insurance premiums more expensive for those with preexisting conditions. Also, in 2018, the administration slashed funding for consumer enrollment assistance and outreach.…”